Autism Services and Support

Autism is individual. So, we deliver personalised services and support across Perth that’s as individual as you.

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way someone views the world and interacts with others.

Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that there are a number of different ways in which autism might present. The characteristics of autism vary from one person to another, but some characteristics commonly displayed by people with autism include:

Difficulty communicating, initiating and/or sustaining conversations

Difficulty interacting with others and developing friendships

Difficulty reading non-verbal cues and communication

Delayed language development

Repetitive and obsessive behaviours

Self-stimulatory behaviours such as hand flapping, spinning or head-banging

There are also certain mental health and medical issues that frequently accompany autism, such as anxiety and phobias, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disturbances, seizures and gastrointestinal disorders.

Autism in Children

Autism in children cannot be definitively diagnosed until around 18 to 24 months, however symptoms tend to emerge between 12 and 18 months, and sometimes from as early as 9 months.

Autism can be hard to detect in babies and young children, but some signs can include:

No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months

No babbling or back-and-forth gestures, or these behaviours have stopped by 12 months

A loss of language or social skills at any age

Signs may be present from birth in some children, whereas others may seem to develop typically until development backtracks and symptoms begin to show (usually between 18 to 36 months).

If any of the above characteristics of autism are present in your child, we encourage you to make an appointment with your child’s doctor. Early diagnosis helps people with autism and their families understand why they experience certain difficulties and differences, and what they can do about them.

A diagnosis also enables access to services and support at an earlier age. Research has proven that early intervention can significantly reduce the impact of autism on a child’s development and help grow their potential.

How We Can Help

Our qualified therapists and staff provide comprehensive help, support and a range of services for children and adults with autism across Perth and WA.